Volleyball Drops La Salle in Four to Begin A-10 Play

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Bronx, N.Y. – The Fordham volleyball team rebounded from its three-match losing skid and started Atlantic 10 play off with a bang, dropping La Salle in four sets at home to begin the second half of the year atop the league summit and evening its overall record to 8-8. The Explorers fall to 0-1 in league play and 8-8 overall, as well.
 
"I thought we made our adjustments very well tonight, especially between the second and third sets. The team really focused on taking care of the little things and in return it gave us great momentum," head coach Gini Ullery said after the match, "I thought we served tough, got them out of their system, and then controlled the ball on our side."
 
The Rams continued its recent dominance in the series match-up with the Explorers, dating back to 1984, now up 38-6 on their rivals and winners of 26 of their last 27 meetings. The two schools traded inefficient sets heading into the long break but the Rams came out aggressive and focused in the third frame, racking up 13 kills at a .407 clip, the second-highest total of any set this season. La Salle struggled in the fourth set and Fordham played excellent defense to secure the match.

 
The Rams attacked at a .143 pace in the first set but it was enough as their visitors conjured just a .032 mark and allowed the hosts to lead comfortably throughout. Fordham tallied 14 digs and two total blocks, with freshman Elise Benjamin contributing a team-high four kills in the frame and assisting on both swats. Olivia Fairchild made just four attacks in that stanza but played excellent defense and chipped in five digs to lead the squad. The Phoenix native came alive in the second set with a blazing nine kills on 13 attempts as her team notched 15 digs but the Explorers made less overall mistakes and led the entire way en route to a 25-22 win.
 
Both schools came out of the lengthy break with renewed confidence and fresh legs, with four ties and two lead changes in the frame, but it was Fordham who prevailed on the back of uber efficient attacking play and solid defensive work again from Benjamin along with classmate Kaitlin Morley. Fairchild and Morley each tallied five kills and two digs as the Rams took a one-set advantage, 25-20. The fourth was a much smoother ride for Fordham after an evenly contested start as the teams traded points and leads.

 
Junior Molly Oshinski led the way with four kills, while Fairchild and Kristen Ostach helped block two important shots. The two sides were even, 8-8, when an attack error gifted the Rams a point and serve. Sophomore Maddy Walsh served up an ace and another attack error followed to give Fordham a two-point lead that they wouldn't relinquish. Walsh and Morley each erred on concurrent serves to get the Explorers back within a point but the hosts ripped off six straight points, including two Oshinski kills, a Fairchild kill, and a big block from Fairchild and Ostach. The duo added their second block assists a couple points later, Oshinski her latest kill, and Natalie Martinez served up an ace off the bench to go up 20-12. La Salle essentially gave Fordham the match with five straight errors.
 
Fairchild and Morley both enjoyed double-doubles, with the former tallying a match-high 18 kills and team-high 12 digs. Morley chipped in 10 kills and 11 digs, assisting on three blocks and serving up two aces. Fairchild's tenacious attacking was also her most efficient of the season, at an even .500 clip. Benjamin added seven kills (.333) and Oshinski six (.136). Walsh assisted on 36 points and dug out eight balls on the night, adding two timely kills.
 
"Great team win to start off conference play. We're looking forward to Duquesne on Sunday and for our Community Sports Day." said Ullery.
 
The Rams host the Dukes on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. That match will be broadcast live on the A-10 Digital Network. Sunday is also Community Sports Day with free admission for all and games and meet & greet sessions with many Fordham student-athletes across multiple sports. More information can be found here.